California State Assembly

California Assembly District 53

California
State
Election

about this guide

To help voters better understand where each candidate stands on issues that matter to people of faith, candidates were invited to respond to a set of specific questions. Their answers are presented below in their own words, without commentary or endorsement, so that voters can weigh each candidate's positions and make an informed decision.

Candidates

Pick candidates to set them head-to-head and compare their answers on the issues, side by side (the candidates will sort in alphabetical order).
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Michelle Rodriguez

Democrat
D

Rafaela Romero

Republican
R

How did they answer?

Candidates were asked specific questions to help voters better understand their views on issues important to people of faith.

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Michelle Rodriguez
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The issues

Michelle Rodriguez

Michelle Rodriguez

Democrat
D
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Rafaela Romero

Republican
R
Clear Selection

The issues

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Voter ID

Share your view on the 2026 California ballot proposition that requires voters to show a government-issued photo identification to vote.
Did not answer
No response was submitted for this question.
I support Proposition 39. Voting is a sacred civic responsibility, and Californians deserve confidence that every lawful vote is protected. Requiring identification is a reasonable safeguard, provided eligible citizens have fair access to a government-issued ID. Election security and voter access should work together—not against each other.

Budget

Share your views on California's budget shortfalls and mounting debt. Do you favor cutting spending, raising taxes, or a mix of both to achieve fiscal responsibility?
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No response was submitted for this question.
An assemblymember must spend taxpayer money responsibly. My faith teaches the importance of planning wisely and living within our means. I would work to reduce waste, control spending, pay down debt, and prioritize public safety, education, infrastructure, and help for those truly in need. California should balance its budget without raising taxes on hardworking families and small businesses. The Legislative Analyst’s Office has warned that California continues to face projected structural deficits.

Israel

Share your view on America's support for Israel.
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No response was submitted for this question.
I support America’s alliance with Israel and Israel’s right to exist and defend its people against terrorism. I strongly condemn Hamas, antisemitism, and attacks against innocent civilians. Our assistance must be accountable, consistent with American law and national interests, and must not become an unlimited blank check. My Christian faith also calls me to value every human life, including innocent Israeli and Palestinian civilians, and to pray and work for lasting peace.

Border

What is your view of President Donald Trump's measures to enhance border security?
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No response was submitted for this question.
I support President Trump’s efforts to secure our border, enforce our immigration laws, stop human trafficking and fentanyl smuggling, strengthen physical barriers and technology, and remove dangerous criminal offenders. A sovereign nation has both the authority and the responsibility to control who enters its territory. At the same time, enforcement should be lawful, humane, and consistent with due process. We can treat people with dignity while still maintaining a secure border and requiring immigration to occur through lawful channels.

Marriage

In 2024, Californians voted to amend the state Constitution to establish marriage as a fundamental right regardless of sex. What is your view on this amendment?
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No response was submitted for this question.
My Christian faith teaches that marriage is a sacred covenant between one man and one woman. For that reason, I opposed Proposition 3 and do not support redefining marriage in California’s Constitution. At the same time, I believe every person is created in the image of God and must be treated with dignity and respect. As an assemblymember, I would uphold the Constitution while strongly defending the religious freedom of churches, clergy, religious schools and individuals who hold the biblical definition of marriage.

Abortion

After the Supreme Court returned abortion policymaking to the states, do you believe that is the correct level of government to decide this issue, or should Congress or the Constitution establish a national standard?
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No response was submitted for this question.
I am pro-life because I believe every human life is created by God and deserves protection, including life in the womb. I oppose elective abortion and support the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs, which returned abortion policy to the people and their elected representatives. Being pro-life also means compassionately supporting women facing difficult pregnancies. I support prenatal and maternal care, adoption services, pregnancy-resource centers, housing assistance, and practical help for mothers and families. Doctors must also be able to provide necessary life-saving care when a mother experiences a genuine medical emergency.

Parental Rights

What is your view of the Supreme Court’s decision supporting a parents’ right to know about their child’s gender issues at school?
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No response was submitted for this question.
I support the Supreme Court’s decision protecting parents from being deliberately excluded when their child is socially transitioning at school. Parents—not the government—have the primary responsibility for raising their children and making decisions involving their health, identity, and emotional well-being. Schools should never deceive parents or keep important information from a fit parent. An exception may be necessary when there is credible evidence of abuse or a genuine threat to the child’s safety, but government should not automatically presume that parents are dangerous simply because of their religious beliefs.

Vaccines

What is your view of California's vaccine mandate for public school students?
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No response was submitted for this question.
I am not opposed to vaccines, but I oppose one-size-fits-all state mandates that remove parents from important medical decisions. Parents should make vaccination decisions after receiving complete information and consulting their child’s doctor. California should protect legitimate medical and sincerely held religious exemptions while providing transparent information about the risks and benefits of vaccines. Public-health measures should be based on evidence, carefully tailored to an actual threat and respectful of parental rights and religious conscience.

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Approved for church distribution by Advocates for Faith and Freedom, a law firm dedicated to protecting religious.

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